Taiko Audio SGM Extreme : the Crème de la Crème

Thanks. It’s those times of issues I’m concerned about. Unfortunately, that solution won’t work for me personally.
Joe,
Once the Extreme is set up , power it up and forget about it. Some people shut it down for 10 seconds every week-10 days. That is just the power button in the front of the unit. I'm basically moronic with tech/computer navigation. If your dealer will let you keep the extreme for 1 month you will have a better understanding. As far as hooking up a monitor, this doesn't happen. I have never moved my unit. Roon with the new switch sounds very, very, good. Eventually XDMS will go to BETA. Just more icing on the cake, you make the call there as to what you think. I hope this suggestion helps, its sounds like your dearer is very professional and is an asset in the audio world...Everyone on this forum respects your passion in this obsession...BTW, I'm a 6-8 hour a day or more listener too...
 
Let me ask this. Does it or would it affect the SQ if we kept the cabling (VGA) for a windows laptop connected to the back of the Extreme and hidden under our shelving until needed? A little dust cover could keep the connector safe.

Does XDMS require initial installation by accessing the rear of the Extreme?
 
Last edited:
Let me ask this. Does it or would it affect the SQ if we kept the cabling (VGA) for a windows laptop connected to the back of the Extreme and hidden under our shelving until needed? A little dust cover could keep the connector safe.

Does XDMS require initial installation by accessing the rear of the Extreme?
I don't see the need of keeping a laptop adjacent or connected to the Extreme. I don't know anyone who does that Joe. XDMS is done with TeamViewer and access to the back of the Extreme is not needed for XDMS. I wouldn't even concern myself with XDMS until BETA version is rolled out. Roon sounds very good. Hopefully someone more competent than me will chime in. As mentioned if your dealer lets you play with it for 30 days or more you will have a good idea of what the unit does. If you haven't already Taiko Support will make sure your DAC is paired with the correct driver and they will optimize all Roon settings...
 
This was "the gang" at Munich in the Taiko/Lampi/Pilium/Alsyvox/Omega room. Besides making great sound we had a GREAT TIME during the show, setting up, meeting hundreds of visitors and even tearing down after the show.

WhatsApp Image 2023-05-30 at 6.37.34 AM.jpeg
 
I don't see the need of keeping a laptop adjacent or connected to the Extreme. I don't know anyone who does that Joe. XDMS is done with TeamViewer and access to the back of the Extreme is not needed for XDMS. I wouldn't even concern myself with XDMS until BETA version is rolled out. Roon sounds very good. Hopefully someone more competent than me will chime in. As mentioned if your dealer lets you play with it for 30 days or more you will have a good idea of what the unit does. If you haven't already Taiko Support will make sure your DAC is paired with the correct driver and they will optimize all Roon settings...

Thanks. I apologize for any confusion. I meant only keep a VGA cable connected to the back of the Taiko with a dust cover in place to protect the connector. I’d only connect the laptop to the cable when needed …
 
  • Like
Reactions: John T
Thanks. I apologize for any confusion. I meant only keep a VGA cable connected to the back of the Taiko with a dust cover in place to protect the connector. I’d only connect the laptop to the cable when needed …
Oh I see, I'm not sure if the VGA cable diminishes anything?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Audire
  • Like
Reactions: PhoenixRising
I already have the qsa dac cable (being the only audiophile dac cable I know of in existence, for the only audiophile device I know that uses the dac cable) and it’s greatly improved clarity, detail and realism. Going back to the stock taiko provided dac cable the veil is obvious.

Look forward to trying the dc cable too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PhoenixRising
Oh I see, I'm not sure if the VGA cable diminishes anything?
I asked a while ago about whether it would be worth earthing the relevant VGA pins on the backplate connector assuming it was a separate card inside the Extreme, but was told by Taiko that its just an internal cable that goes direct to the mother board, so won't have any benefit. Based on that, I'd say that when a monitor isn't connected (no activity on that VGA cable) there wouldn't be any SQ issue at all, but happy to stand corrected.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Audire and John T
I already have the qsa dac cable (being the only audiophile dac cable I know of in existence, for the only audiophile device I know that uses the dac cable) and it’s greatly improved clarity, detail and realism. Going back to the stock taiko provided dac cable the veil is obvious.

Look forward to trying the dc cable too.
Can you post a link as to which QSA DAC Cable you are referring to? Thanks
 
It's here, same brand as the DC cable being discussed. There's an offer now over the listed price but you have to ask the company how much it is now because I don't know:

It's called the SPF+ DAC cable, and it's only one choice- 5m because they found that their treatment reacts best to more conductor mass, and they found higher gauge DAC cables that work best at 5m.

Honestly, I'm pretty sure they developed this cable primarily for the Extreme's switch/router.
 
It's here, same brand as the DC cable being discussed. There's an offer now over the listed price but you have to ask the company how much it is now because I don't know:

It's called the SPF+ DAC cable, and it's only one choice- 5m because they found that their treatment reacts best to more conductor mass, and they found higher gauge DAC cables that work best at 5m.

Honestly, I'm pretty sure they developed this cable primarily for the Extreme's switch/router.
Interesting on the length...
 
It's here, same brand as the DC cable being discussed. There's an offer now over the listed price but you have to ask the company how much it is now because I don't know:

It's called the SPF+ DAC cable, and it's only one choice- 5m because they found that their treatment reacts best to more conductor mass, and they found higher gauge DAC cables that work best at 5m.

Honestly, I'm pretty sure they developed this cable prima arily for the Extreme's switch/router.
so if all you need is a one meter cable you have to buy a 5 meter cable because it works better?? :oops:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Armsan
... length also maps to cost, Grasshopper. Ergo, there is some balance of the two. Testing suggests the 5m length to be the sweet-spot of price/performance.
 
  • Like
Reactions: alwayslearning
Am I correct when I remembered Emile stated to use shortest useable DAC in one's system. Im not knocking QSA but I find the thought of paying for a 5 meter cable because it sounds better to be a stretch

This little grasshopper seems to be short sighted :rolleyes:
 
  • Like
Reactions: PhoenixRising
...1m untreated vs 5m treated users report treated wins. I actually use a .5m untreated cable myself, but I recognize my QSA brethren really like the treated cable, and all reports have been positive.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PhoenixRising

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu